TransTerm 9B Data Terminal

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CONTENTS Overview Operation Display Keyboard Communications Communications Interface Signal List Options Specifications TransTerm 9B Datasheet (125k/ pdf)

Overview

The TransTerm 9B is an RS­232 compatible ASCII keyboard/display data terminal designed for applications which require a large number of keys which can be user configured. Typical applications include: point­of­sale register emulation, restaurant order entry systems, shop­floor menu selection, quality control entry, etc.

The TransTerm 9B features a 72­key sealed membrane keyboard array and a two line by 40 character alphanumeric liquid crystal display. The entire 72 key array can be user defined as to the legend which appears on the key surface (each key position having a clear window) as well as the unique ASCII code which the key is to generate when pressed. Additionally, any key can be designated an "auto­ENTER" key and thereby produce an "ENTER" code immediately following the assigned primary code when that key is pressed.

The unit is built of aluminum to withstand harsh environments and handling, and the hermetically sealed membrane keyboard is full­sized and unaffected by grease, and most chemicals and solvents. The two line 80 character LC display has ample capacity for computer generated prompts and instructions as well as for operator entered data to be simultaneously displayed. The standard RS­232C communications interface provides the means to directly connect the TransTerm 9B to most computer systems. Or, the optional RS­422 TNET interface allows up to 250 terminals to be connected on a common network into a central network controller which then hooks to the host computer via an RS­232 communications port. Also available is an off­the­shelf data collection program for a PC/AT/PS2 type computer which can shorten implementation time.

Operation

The TransTerm 9B can operate in one of three modes:

• TTY Mode
• BLOCK SEND Mode
• TNET Multidrop Mode
  

In TTY and BLOCK SEND modes, ASCII data received by the TransTerm 9B is placed on the display at the cursor position. The cursor moves from left to right and from the top to bottom. In the TTY mode, keyboarded data (depending on how the keyboard array has been programmed (down­loaded) is transmitted as it is keyed. In the BLOCK SEND mode and in the TNET multi­drop mode, keyed data is locally placed on the display and transmitted only after the ENTER key is pressed. In the TNET multi­drop mode, the TransTerm 9B must be selected with its address in order to receive and process data or send ENTERed data. In all three modes, the terminal recognizes the various ASCII control codes and numerous ESCape sequence commands.

Display

Super­twist Liquid Crystal Technology ­ Two lines of 40 columns with 93 displayable ASCII characters (upper case, lower case, numerics and special symbols) in a 5 x 7 dot matrix font. Character size .179" high by .124" wide (4.55mm x 3.15mm). Blinking Cursor symbol. Variable contrast control from the keyboard or by ESCape command. Option EL backlight is available.

Keyboard

75 key membrane keyboard organized in a main array of 6 rows by 12 columns. The all 72 keys in the array can be downloaded by the host computer (one code per key). A separate "ENTER" key and two shift keys are located to the right of the main array. Other features are:

• Hermetically sealed keyswitches.
• Audible key­click for tactile feedback.
• Key spacing ­ .8" vertical, .75" horizontal.
• Keyswitch travel ­ .006" ­ .008" typical
• Actuating force ­ 4­6 ounces.
• Rated life ­ 10,000,000 cycles (per switch element).

 

Communications

The standard RS­232 communications interface allows the TransTerm 9B to be easily interfaced directly to any host computer which has a serial communications port. The optional RS­422 compatible TNET interface allows the TransTerm 9B to communicate point­to­point over long cable runs, or to be multi­dropped in a network with other like devices under control of the TNET polling protocol which is inherent in the ComputerWise TIM1 network controller. Up to 250 terminals can be supported on a TNET system. Off­the­shelf data collection software for PC/AT/PS2 computer systems can minimize implementation time and expense.

Asynchronous Serial Data Format:

1 Start Bit
7/8 Data Bits
1 Optional Parity Bit(Mark,Space,Even,Odd)
1 Stop Bit

Baud Rates: 110,150,300,1200,2400,4800,9600,19.2K

Communications Interface Signal List

DB­25F

Pin#	Signal	Description
1	FG	Frame Ground. Common to logic ground
2	TD	RS­232 Transmit Data. Serial data output
3	RD	RS­232 Receive Data.  Serial data input
4	RTS	RS­232 Request to Send.  Active whenever the terminal is powered up.
5	CTS	RS­232 Clear to Send.  May be used to hold off terminal transmission
7	SG	Signal ground.  Common with logic ground & FG.
20	DTR	Data Terminal Ready output or optional 12 VDC power input.

Signals applicable to RS­422 compatible TNET I/O option only

Pin#	Signal	Description
16	DRO	RS­422 receiver output.  Tied to RD.
22	DTD­	RS­422 Transmit Data (­)
23	DTD+	RS­422 Transmit Data (+)
24	DRD­	RS­422 Receive Data (­)
25	DRD+	RS­422 Receive Data (+)

 

Options

Barcode Decoding Option
The bar code decoding option adds the electronics and a panel mounted connector to the TransTerm 9B for interfacing a digital wand, a barcode badge reader, or any laser or CCD scanner which has on­board decoding and wand emulation output. The decoding option will autodiscriminate Code 39, Extended Code 39, UPC­A, UPC­E, EAN­8, EAN­13, CODABAR, I2of5, and Code 128. Each of these symbologies can be enabled/disabled under SETUP or program control. The bar code port has a 5­pin DIN connector.

Magnetic Stripe Card Reader Interface Option
The Magnetic Stripe Card Reader (MSCR) Interface Option for the TransTerm 9B adds the electronics to receive and decode digital data from the MR­211 manually operated reader which can read the magnetically recorded information found on Track 2 of a standard ABA plastic credit card (F2F coherent phase encoding per ANSI X4.16). The MSCR interface reads the 40 digit numeric data record off the card as it passes through the read station, decodes and validates the data, and then passes the data internally just as if it had been key­entered from the keyboard. The MSCR interface normally connects to the MR­211 reader with a six inch cable.

Auxiliary Serial Port Option
This option adds a second serial communication port to the TransTerm 9B which is controllable with ESCape commands. This option for the 9A is in lieu of the bar code option, and for the 9B model it is available in addition to the bar code option. The baud rate and hand­shaking are also user selectable via Setup. The auxiliary port on the 6A has a 5­pin DIN connector and the port on the 6B has a 9­pin D­sub connector (pin­outs are compatible with an AT com port) and might typically be used to output data to a serial printer, or input data from a scale.

Pulse Output Option
This option enables the TransTerm 9B to generate a programmed pulse output under control of ESCape commands received by the terminal through the communications port. This option could be used to actuate a door strike or open a cash drawer, etc..

Counter Input Option
This option enables the TransTerm 9B to count and totalize closures of an external dry contact switch input. The count value can be interrogated and zeroed remotely by ESCape commands received by the terminal through the communications port.

Specifications

Power

• Terminal consumption: 160 ma typical (various options will add to the power consumption).
• Power comes from a power adapter for a 110­120VAC (220­240VAC adapter optional).
• The unit can also be powered over the serial connector (12 VDC on pin #20).
  

Environment

• Operating: 0ºC to 60ºC (32ºF to 140ºF); Humidity: 5 to 95% noncondensing
• Storage Temperature: -30ºC to 70ºC (-20ºF to 158ºF); Humidity: 0 to 100%

Size & Weight (options will effect weight)

• Length: 11.7" (29.7 cm), Width: 8.8" (22.3 cm), Height: 1.75" (4.4 cm), Weight: 2.66 lbs. (1203 grams).